LED REAR CLUSTERS
Using red and amber LEDs for rear functions is already state of the art. LEDs create light by voltage-induced recombination processes in a semiconductor layer. The emitted light is determined in its colour by the internal structure of the LED. Compared to conventional incandescent bulbs, the main advantages of LEDs are their high lifetime (up to 100.000 hours), their low energy consumption due to the efficient conversion of electrical power into optical power and the small depth of the modules. LEDs also offer a vast variety of fascinating innovative styling possibilities. Moreover, the switch-on-time is very short. This provides a safety benefit to following vehicles in situations requiring fast breaking response. The light intensity of the break light can be adapted to the breaking intensity. This allows the development of adaptive rear lamps, which can adapt their behaviour to different driving conditions.
LEDs also need drivers (ECU) to give power supply to these special sources and to provide interfaces to the electrical networks of different cars, providing also sometimes diagnostic functions.
First applications of LED technology go back to the first half of the nineties with the development of central high mounted stop lamps (CHMSL) with LEDs in 5 mm package for the Japanese market. In the meantime, all functions can be equipped with LEDs. These functions are tail light, fog light, turn indicator, break light and back up light.
Similar to the Advanced Front lighting System that is being integrated in current headlamp projects, it is possible to develop analogical systems for rear lamps - the so-called Adaptive Rear lighting Systems. These systems adapt to changing road conditions and different weather situations. ARS aims to make visible intentions of vehicles driving ahead earlier which allows faster reactions of following drivers.
This simply means that logically in the day time the vehicles brake lights and brighter than at night.
This systems means that this can be extended to bad weather, fog.
So next time a slow moving construction vehicle is progressing down a carriageway in the daytime, hope for your families sake it is fitted with nav-comm ARL rear warning lights which will be more intense.
Warning for drivers quickly approaching the slower moving vehicles.
